When it comes to pipeline construction in wetland areas, it’s necessary to follow a number of construction and mitigation procedures, including those advised by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Timber mats are an extremely durable and efficient option for carrying out construction projects in wetlands and on rugged terrains. They can be placed on the ground, protecting the surrounding environment from damage that could otherwise be caused by heavy construction equipment. Additionally, they help protect equipment from tipping over and getting stuck in the mud. But how do you get your mats into place? Below are some tips:

It’s already well known that timber mats can make it much easier to transport heavy construction equipment in order to carry out a wintertime project — whether it’s building a pipeline, transmission line, or something else.

The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was among the largest of its kind in U.S. history, resulting when an oil tanker struck a reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Around 10.8 million pounds of oil leaked as a result – devastating the environment and wildlife. Since, however, new regulations have been enacted to minimize the possibility of such an incident from occurring again.

Whoever imagined mats could deliver so much Christmas joy? According to a report from International Cranes and Specialized Transport, timber mats in fact were utilized to erect a 100-foot tall white fur tree at a shopping center in Newport Beach, California this November.

On the blog, we’ve explored many uses of mats – ranging form assisting with pipeline construction, all the way to installing wind turbines to empower alternative energy. However, one of the uses of mats that’s less known about is their ability to assist in demolition construction projects.

When it comes to mats, they have many uses – the most prominent one being to transport heavy construction equipment across rough or environmentally sensitive terrains. However, another prominent use is to provide maximum stabilization for operating cranes.

Before any construction project begins, it’s extremely important to assess ground conditions. Failure to do so could not only result in making project completion that much harder, but also dangerous and a threat to the construction crew’s health.

We’ve already discussed how timber mats are great when it comes to transporting heavy construction equipment across wetlands – but how about when there’s a ditch that presents a significant obstacle that at first appears too problematic for even mats to handle?

Last year, we wrote a 2-part blog covering the many uses of timber mats. More recently, a new use was brought to our attention: Helping transport an out-of-operation airplane across the sea via a barge. Read more...

When it was time to replace an aging crude oil pipeline that that partially rests on the riverbed of the Mississippi River, energy transportation firm Enbridge had to figure out how to build a new one, all while assuring they didn’t risk any environmental damage.

Using heavy construction equipment in environmentally sensitive wetland areas without proper precautions all too often risks getting construction machinery stuck and damaging the land. So when it came to Wisconsin’s Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area, taking such risks was certainly out of the question.

Starting a new construction project in low-level wetlands or any topsoil-rich area should be met with proper soil planning and consideration for the surrounding environment. This means it’s important to consider how much topsoil stripping is necessary when it comes to your specific construction project, as topsoil is a very fertile and valuable resource for most land types.

When planning a construction, forest harvesting, or maintenance project in low-level wetlands, it is important to incorporate the use of timber mats in your plan. The benefits of costs and environmental effects are definitely on your side; however, there are also many more beneficial outcomes companies don’t always consider.

A new report released by the National Association of Manufacturers concludes that new crude oil pipeline construction could notably benefit the economy by adding construction and maintenance jobs, in addition to significantly contributing to GDP.

According to the Edison Electric Institute, there have been continued high level investments in transmission infrastructure, a trend that started back around 2013, and is expected to last through 2025.

Global demand for natural gas projects continues to dominate onshore pipeline construction, even as other sectors slow due to a continued fall in oil prices.

According to the latest industry forecast released by UK-based market researcher Douglas-Westwood, 66% of lines installed between 2015 and 2019 are expected to ship natural gas, highlighting a growing trend in overall global energy demand.

When disaster strikes, stable land usually capable of supporting large amounts of thru traffic often times becomes inaccessible by ordinary, everyday standards – something that can complicate rescue and recovery operations. However, by utilizing mats, rescue and relief crews can assure that the process moves more efficiently. Below are several circumstances in which mats might prove useful:

Pipelines: They’re conduits for transporting goods long distances and without them, today’s industries would be drastically different. As previously noted, the first successful oil pipeline was actually constructed in 1865 and caught the ire of teamster wagon drivers who saw their monopoly on oil transportation quickly slipping away. However, much has changed since then.

Barges: If you gaze upon the Mississippi River today, it’s hard not to spot one. Simply said, they provide a cost effective means to transport heavy loads far distances wherever waterways are available. Not only that, they’ve been around forever.

Use of wind energy is on the rise – something evidenced by an increase in construction of wind farms across the United States. So much so that in 23 U.S. states, crews are currently carrying out wind farm construction projects, according to a report from the American Wind Energy Association in April. These new turbines are expected to account for over 13 thousand megawatts of generating capacity – accelerating an already booming alternative energy sector that also thrives on other forms of energy including solar, geothermal, biofuel, and more.

Today pipelines play a prominent role in the oil industry – whether it’s the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System that has now transported around 16 million barrels of oil since its construction in 1973, or the recently debated expansion of the Keystone Pipeline within the United States. Simply said, it’s hard to imagine the industry without them.

North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, first constructed in 1870, is among the most popular and recognizable of its kind in the United States. For over 100 years now, it has helped safely guide ships traveling near the state’s eastern coast. But its entire existence once faced a big dilemma - something that actually quietly began shortly after the structure began operation during the 19th century.

The type of project you have, the machinery you use, and the location of construction/heavy lifting are all factors in choosing the most effective mat for your task. Before even deciding the size of mat you need, you first need to determine the actual material and type of mat you need.

No two construction jobs are exactly the same. Even if you are building neighboring houses that are exactly the same, what lies beneath the surface is not identical. The same mindset needs to be established when you are choosing your construction, crane, or rig mats. When you are preparing for your next project, there are certain questions you should ask your mat supplier, as well as having certain answers for questions your supplier will ask you.

Keeping Your Crane Mat Environmentally Friendly Whether you are using brand new timber mats or you are using used construction mats, we cannot stress the importance of properly cleaning the mat when your project is finished. You probably already know how environmentally friendly construction mats are and their critical role in preserving a natural space. However, you want to make sure the native plants and creatures stay in their native habitat.

If you live in the Twin Cities area, you may have noticed one of the world’s largest cranes helping to construct the new Vikings stadium. The CC6800 Terex Crane is nothing short of an industrial marvel. According to the Associated Press, this crane took 11 days to assemble after 70 trucks delivered all the parts. This crane can lift up to 1,250 metric tons of material at once.

When you are looking to purchase or rent timber mats, you often have the choice of using new or used mats. Timber mats are graded according to standards set by the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Since the NHLA’s formation in 1897, a committee of experienced lumbermen has monitored lumber standards carefully and responsibly. Before you make your final purchase, take note of the grade of your timber mat to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.

We talked earlier about the many uses of mats in the construction world and what kind of mat is appropriate for each task. But what about non-traditional uses for mats? While laminated mats are better at handling smaller amounts of pressure, they are less likely to impact the environment around them, making them perfect for a variety of situations.

One of the biggest and most costly considerations of any construction project is environmental impact. As contractors who literally work out in the field, understanding the environment in which we work not only has sustainability benefits, but safety benefits as well. Access and construction mats are integral to making your job easier, safer, and greener.

The oil industry is picking up its pace in terms exploration. According to a Reuters report in early July, investments in finding new oil, whether it’s onshore or offshore, will hit an all-time high by 2017 – accounting for $1 trillion in spending, a statistic provided by financial services company Barclays.

As we’ve highlighted in our previous blog posts, mats have many uses – ranging from temporary roadways, all the way to oilfields. They stabilize the heavy transportation of equipment across rugged terrains, all while having a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. But most importantly, they keep workers safe. And while all mats are generally useful in any harsh area with harsh conditions, whether they’re being used to stabilize a crane, assist in the construction of a pipeline, or you name it, it’s important that you find the mat type that’s best suited to handle your next big project. So should you go with timber mats or laminated ones? Consider the following:

Mats are designed with efficiency and durability in mind, helping support heavy equipment while resulting in minimum impact on the surrounding environment. Not only are they efficient after installation, they can also be easily transported and put together. For example, they can be easily attached to cables through bolts for proper lifting. In the second part of our two-part blog post, we continue our discussion on areas in which the installation of timber and laminated mats are useful. Consider the following:

In the construction industry, the use of both timber and laminated mats can go a long way towards achieving desired results – whether it’s the construction of temporary bridges, adding proper excavation support, building decks or providing for any number of other projects.

About Us

Viking Mat Co. is one of North America's largest suppliers of crane mats, timber mats, dragline mats, laminated mats, truck mats, and more to the construction industry.

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PHONE: (952) 941-6512

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Company Description

Viking Mat Co. is one of North America's largest suppliers of crane mats, timber mats, dragline mats, laminated mats, truck mats, and more to the construction industry.